Metallic Ink | Printed Metallic Effect Packaging
Printed metallic effects using speciality inks
Key Benefits of Metallic Ink
About Metallic Ink
Metallic inks create shimmering, reflective packaging effects through direct printing. Cost-effective for large-area metallic coverage and complex designs where foil stamping would be prohibitively expensive.
Gold, silver, copper, and custom metallic tones. Overprint with process colours for metallic hues. Combines with foil for maximum impact.
Metallic Impact Through Print
Metallic inks contain fine metallic particles that create a shimmering, reflective appearance when printed. While not achieving the mirror-like lustre of foil stamping, metallic inks provide cost-effective metallic effects that can be applied across large areas and complex designs without the per-element die costs of foil.
Large Area Metallic Coverage
Where foil stamping is most cost-effective for small areas like logos and text, metallic ink excels at covering large surfaces. Full-background metallic printing, all-over patterns, and complex multi-element metallic designs are economically viable with metallic ink where foil would be prohibitively expensive.
Colour Range
Gold, silver, copper, and bronze are the most popular metallic ink colours. Custom metallic tones can be mixed to match specific brand requirements. Metallic inks can be overprinted with transparent process colours to create metallic versions of any hue.
Quick Specs
- Minimum Order
- 100 units
- Production Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Free Shipping
- Yes
- Printing
- CMYK / Pantone
- Type
- ink
Best For
Affordable sample kits available
Metallic Ink is Best For
Works Great With
Metallic Ink pairs beautifully with these box styles.
Tuck End Boxes
Classic design with tuck-in closures on both ends
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Premium rigid boxes with magnetic snap closure
Sleeve Boxes
Sliding sleeve and tray packaging for a premium reveal
Pillow Boxes
Curved pillow-shaped boxes for gifts and small products
Gable Boxes
Handled gable-top boxes for food and gifts
Two-Piece Boxes
Classic lid and base box construction for premium presentation
Explore Other Finishes
Browse our other premium finishing options.
Gloss Lamination
High-shine reflective finish that intensifies colours
Matte Lamination
Elegant non-reflective finish with sophisticated feel
Soft-Touch Lamination
Velvety tactile finish that invites touch and communicates luxury
Spot UV
Selective high-gloss coating on specific design elements
Raised Spot UV
Thick, tactile raised gloss coating for dimensional effects
Gold Foil Stamping
Metallic gold foil pressed onto packaging surfaces
Available Materials
Pair metallic ink with the right material for your packaging.
Metallic Ink FAQs
How does metallic ink compare to foil stamping?
Metallic ink creates a shimmering metallic effect but with less mirror-like lustre than foil. It is more cost-effective for large areas and complex designs, while foil delivers superior impact for small elements.
Can metallic ink cover large areas?
Yes, this is metallic ink's key advantage over foil. Full backgrounds, all-over patterns, and complex multi-element designs in metallic are economically achievable with metallic ink.
What colours of metallic ink are available?
Gold, silver, copper, bronze, and custom metallic tones. Transparent process colours can be printed over metallic ink to create metallic versions of virtually any colour.
Can metallic ink be combined with foil?
Yes, using metallic ink for large areas and foil for key accent elements like logos combines cost-effectiveness with maximum impact where it matters most.
Does metallic ink work on kraft paper?
Yes, though the kraft surface absorbs more ink, creating a softer, more muted metallic effect. A white base layer can be printed first for brighter metallic appearance on kraft.
Ready to Add Metallic Ink?
Get a free quote with competitive pricing, free shipping, and 2-3 week turnaround.